Latino seafood in Baltimore

South Beach meets Harbor East
New seviche bar Talara brings a Nuevo Latino flavor to President Street
By Elizabeth Large | Sun Restaurant Critic, May 27, 2009

Loud salsa music, South Beach atmosphere, mojitos, a live-wire bar crowd, outdoor seating - what's not to like with the opening of Talara (615 President St., TalaraBaltimore.com) in Harbor East?

Well, if you're not a fan of raw fish, you might not be so excited about Baltimore's colorful new seviche bar. In which case, think of seviche as sushi: the next generation. Or tell yourself it's not really raw fish at all; it's lime-marinated, which acts to preserve the seafood, and flavored with good things like cilantro and chile.

But not to worry if you're still not convinced. The Nuevo Latino restaurant is offering plenty of Latin American tapas like pork empanadas, a cheese tasting plate, corn and goat cheese croquettas, mini-paellas, and ... ahi tuna sliders? OK, maybe that last isn't authentically Latin American, but it sounds good. Menu items range from $8 to $14.

Interestingly, chef/owner Yves Carreau was born and raised in France. He's also the proprietor of two restaurants in Pittsburgh, Sonoma Grille, a " California wine restaurant" and Seviche, which sounds very much like Talara.

Talera is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Valet parking is available for $8, or you can self-park in the garage for $5 after business hours.